Transition Year

Our Lady’s has a long established T.Y. programme, which has recently been highly accredited by the Department of Education. Our broad T.Y. programme aims to promote personal, social and vocational education. A recent DES survey shows students gain an average of 40 points or more in the Leaving Cert., thanks to completing T.Y. Apart from studying core subjects, plus a wide range of sample subjects, T.Y. students also take courses in wellbeing, enterprise and young social innovators.

TY Activities

Regular activities also include visits to adventure centres along with the greatly anticipated international trip to a European city. T.Y. students also participate in community work with the Tidy Towns, debates, field trips, excursions, Irish sean nós dancing and completing their Driving Theory Test to mention but a few. For many T.Y. students, the highlight has to be variety concerts at Christmas and of course, our excellent musicals, giving students a platform to showcase and develop their wide range of talents.

European City Trips

Each year our Transition Year students travel to a European city to experience new cultures and see new places. This is a highlight of the Transition Year programme as it allows students to bond with each other and it marks the end of a great year. Some of the places students have visited are; Barcelona, Lake Garda, Venice and Paris.

Musicals

Students in Our Lady’s have the opportunity to experience music and drama each year when preforming the annual school musical. This is a wonderful experience as it gives students a platform to showcase and develop their wide range of talents. Some of the musicals we have preformed to date are; High School Musical, The Addams Family, School of Rock and Grease.

TY Adventure Outings

Transition Year students go on a number of regular trips, including a visit to adventure centres. This trip to Delphi or Killary usually coincides with the Junior Certificate results day and is great success as it allows students to celebrate in a safe environment. This trip is greatly anticipated by the students and takes place in September to begin the Transition Year programme with team bonding.

Work Experience

Transition Year is all about taking part in new experiences and the Work Experience Programme helps to prepare students for the world of work. Over the course of the school year each student will undertake two work placements. Students are encouraged to find experience in a field which may be of interest to them in the future. Work experience takes place every Friday of the school year and is a very beneficial to all students.

GAA Future Leaders Programme

Our Transition Year students are taking on the challenge this year to complete the GAA Future Leaders Programme. This valuable course is condensed into modules and is delivered in different classes to all students. The modules include; Well being, Nutrition, Sports Journalism, Refereeing, Performance Analysis and Coaching. The overall outcome of the course is for students to be able to organise an event together and become leaders.

Debates

Our school has a long tradition in competing in debating. Transition Year students are encouraged to take part in debating both in English and as Gaeilge. While there is an element of competition to debating it is also an excellent way for students to experience public speaking, team work and writing. These skills are of great benefit to students going forward.

C.P.R First Aid

We believe that C.P.R and first aid skills are of great importance for all. When students are in Transition Year they take part in learning first aid and C.P.R. They receive training from their instructors and are later tested on their knowledge and understanding. Each student receives a certificate when it is completed. It is a valuable experience and the skills they develop are vital for saving lives.

Enterprise

Enterprise is encouraged for all students in the school. Transition Year students work in teams to come up with innovative ideas and how they can implement them to make a viable enterprise. While some students are fortunate to win prizes at regional and All Ireland level, every student will learn about business and enterprise. Some of the skills they improve on with this module are; teamwork, management and organisation.